Maha Mantra with Shubal & Friends

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In the Spring of 1971, many Westerners gathered in India at the foothills of the Himalayas at the Ashram of our Guru, Neem Karoli Baba. It was there that many of us met him for the first time and were introduced to Kirtan, or chanting the names of God. Every year Maharaji would bring in singers from Brindavan who chanted what’s called Maha Mantra or “the Great Mantra” - which is the repetition of the Hare Krishna Hare Ram mantra for eighteen hours per day. It was there that a number of the Westerners inherited the tradition and practice of Kirtan.

In recent trips to India, I recorded one particular singer named Shubal, who chanted with his friends in what I found to be the most transcendent melodies and rhythms. Their emotional expression moved me to share these chants with everyone. I hope you enjoy these as much as I have over the years.

~ Raghu Markus

All proceeds from this album will be donated to the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram in Taos, New Mexico. Visit nkbashram.org for more information.